Abnormal heart rhythm linked to memory problems

People with atrial fibrillation - the most common abnormal heart rhythm - appear to be more likely to develop problems with their memory, scientists have found.

Researchers at the University of Alabama in the US looked at data on 5,150 people, aged 65 and older, including 552 with atrial fibrillation.

Participants were given memory and thinking tests annually for seven years to see whether there were any links between cognitive problems and the heart rhythm abnormality.

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The research team found that people with atrial fibrillation tended to obtain low scores on the cognitive tests at an earlier age than those with no signs of the heart condition.

'This suggests that on average, people with atrial fibrillation may be more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia at earlier ages than people with no history of atrial fibrillation,' said Dr Evan Thacker, whose findings are published in the journal Neurology.

He added that further research is now needed to determine why this decline happens more quickly in people with the condition and how to prevent it.

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